The Joey Logano Ty Gibbs Sonoma controversy erupted after Ty Gibbs was involved in a disputed pit road incident at Sonoma, drawing sharp words from Joey Logano and a wave of criticism from NASCAR fans. The fallout centers on questions of responsibility and hypocrisy, with fans calling out the former champion for his own checkered past on pit road.
As Shane van Gisbergen sped ahead on the Sonoma circuit on Sunday, Ty Gibbs, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, became embroiled in a pit road dispute. During a late-race stop, Gibbs nearly struck Brad Keselowski’s tire carrier, Telvin McClurkin, on pit lane while trying to make up ground lost after contact with Chris Buescher. The incident escalated tensions between the crews of the No. 6 and No. 54 teams. McClurkin reported that his wrist was twisted in the exchange, slowing his performance during the stop, and a physical altercation followed between crew members.
NASCAR officials reviewed the incident and cleared Ty Gibbs, stating that the leading car on pit road typically has right-of-way over trailing vehicles. Though not deemed intentional, some observers—including veteran Joey Logano—publicly chastised Gibbs for the perceived disregard for safety.
Joey Logano’s Comments Put Under the Microscope
Joey Logano, riding high after a comeback from a tough 2024 season to capture the Cup Series title, spoke critically about Ty Gibbs’ decisions during a segment on Sirius XM NASCAR Radio. He condemned putting pit crew members in jeopardy, highlighting the power and responsibility drivers wield:
So I watched that situation, I know this is ok to do. Don’t agree with it. Don’t agree with putting any human in line with a race car. Ever…You shouldn’t play with that in a competitive scenario like that…I don’t like playing that game with humans. They’ve got families, they have their careers, it’s their livelihood, and you’re a knife to a gunfight kind of thing where you’re driving a race car and they’re holding tires. They don’t stand a chance.
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
I watch that stuff to learn what is ok and not ok from a rules perspective
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Despite his statements, Logano referenced his own role in a controversial 2024 Richmond Raceway episode, when he retaliated against Austin Dillon after a bump-and-run by burning out near Dillon’s family on pit road. The move resulted in a $50,000 fine and widespread criticism. Reflecting, Logano added:
You’ve got a ridiculous amount of power and responsibility driving a race car. So you’ve got to kind of look at that stuff. And all of us have made mistakes. Listen, guilty, been there, done it, things that you shouldn’t have done, I get it. In the heat of the moment, sometimes you don’t see all that stuff. But when you take a step back and you’ve done it for a while, you’ve learned a lesson.
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Fans Highlight Hypocrisy in Logano’s Criticism
Logano’s condemnation of Gibbs quickly sparked outrage among NASCAR fans, many of whom seized on his history to accuse him of double standards. Some pointed to his prior pit road decisions as more egregious than Gibbs’ actions, especially his burnout incident near crew and family members in Richmond. One observer remarked pointedly:
Says the guy that almost ran over the 3 crew and family in Richmond…
—Fan
Despite Logano stressing the
“ridiculous amount of power and responsibility”
muscle that Cup drivers hold, fans were quick to note how his recent words clashed with his past behaviors. Another fan wrote:
Bro forgets how much of a POS he is when something else happens.
—Fan
Others questioned whether Logano received enough internal pushback from Team Penske or NASCAR for his own infractions, including his actions at Richmond and controversial equipment use at Atlanta. One fan raised the question directly:
I do believe Joey got an ass-chewing for that?
—Fan
Logano’s championship win in 2024 attracted additional scrutiny, with the playoff format letting him capture the Cup despite finishing 17th in points. His vocal defense of the system further polarized fans, with some openly dismissing his perspectives:
We don’t give one single **** about Joeys opinion.
—Fan
Patterns of Discontent and the Road Ahead for Logano
This is not the first time Joey Logano has faced a storm over his words or actions. His tenure at Team Penske has been marked by intense incidents and polarizing choices, ranging from on-track aggression to disputes involving pit crew safety. Critics argue that his callouts lack credibility given his own record and that ongoing controversies continue to cloud the achievements of both Logano and his team.
Meanwhile, Ty Gibbs, at just 22, has built a strong competitive record over recent races, including leading laps in Mexico City and challenging Shane van Gisbergen at Chicago. Although absolved by NASCAR in the Sonoma episode, Gibbs and his team were left at the center of heated racing, public scrutiny, and ongoing debate about the bounds of motorsport safety and responsibility.
As the season progresses, all eyes remain on both Logano and Gibbs. For Logano, regaining respect may require more than just acknowledging mistakes; it may mean consistently upholding the standards by which he judges others. Whether the uproar over the Joey Logano Ty Gibbs Sonoma controversy quiets or intensifies will likely depend on future actions—both on and off the track.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Joey Logano have cerebral palsy?
A. Due to a difficult birth, Joey experienced a brain bleed, resulting in Cerebral Palsy. This condition requires Joey to undergo extensive physical therapy.
Q. What medical condition does Joey Logano have?
A. When his hair didn’t regrow, Logano visited the doctor and learned about his condition. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder mostly seen in people under 30.
Q. What illness does Joey Logano have?
A. The problem was a stomach bug. Logano managed to get through the race despite it. He said, “I had the Norovirus and believed I was fine. But just before the race started, I realized I wasn’t,” Logano told reporters, according to CBS Sports’ Steven Taranto.
Q. What disease does Joey Logano have?
A. Joey Logano, last year’s NASCAR Cup Series champion, had to visit the Darlington Raceway medical center after a recent race due to norovirus. The Team Penske driver mentioned experiencing health issues during the week before the 400-mile race, which took place in unusually hot 89-degree temperatures.
